Livings vs Living: When To Use Each One? What To Consider

Are you confused about whether to use livings or living in your writing? The English language can be tricky, and it’s easy to mix up words that sound similar. In this article, we’ll explore the difference between livings and living and help you understand which one is the proper word to use.

We should clarify what each word means. Living is a present participle of the verb “live,” which means to exist or be alive. It can also refer to the way in which someone lives their life or the condition of being alive. Livings, on the other hand, is a noun that refers to the means of supporting oneself, such as a job or income.

So, which one is the proper word to use? It depends on the context of your sentence. If you’re talking about someone’s way of life or the condition of being alive, you should use living. For example, “He is living a happy life” or “The living room is cozy and comfortable.” On the other hand, if you’re talking about the means of supporting oneself, you should use livings. For example, “She has multiple livings to support her family” or “His various livings allow him to travel the world.”

Now that we’ve clarified the difference between livings and living, let’s dive deeper into how to use each word correctly in different contexts. Whether you’re a writer, student, or just someone who wants to improve their English language skills, this article will provide you with the knowledge you need to use these words with confidence.

Define Livings

Livings is a term that refers to the means of supporting oneself through various sources of income. It encompasses all the financial resources that an individual has at their disposal to maintain their standard of living. These resources may include salary, investments, rental income, royalties, and any other sources of income that contribute to their overall financial well-being.

For example, if an individual has a full-time job, owns a rental property, and has investments that generate dividends, all of these sources of income combined would be considered their livings.

Define Living

Living, on the other hand, refers to the state of being alive and the activities and experiences that come with it. It encompasses all aspects of life, including physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.

Living involves the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment, the development of meaningful relationships, the pursuit of personal growth and development, and the attainment of one’s goals and aspirations. It is a holistic concept that encompasses all aspects of life and is not limited to financial resources.

While livings and living are related concepts, they are distinct and should not be confused with one another. Livings are a means to support one’s living, but living is the ultimate goal and purpose of life.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

In English, it is important to use the correct form of a word in a sentence to convey the intended meaning. This section will provide guidelines on how to use the words “livings” and “living” correctly in a sentence.

How To Use “Livings” In A Sentence

The word “livings” is a plural noun that refers to the means of supporting oneself, such as income or earnings. Here are some examples of how to use “livings” in a sentence:

• Many people struggle to make their livings in today’s economy.
• Her livings come from her successful career as a lawyer.
• They inherited their livings from their wealthy parents.

It is important to note that “livings” is always used in the plural form and cannot be used as a singular noun.

How To Use “Living” In A Sentence

The word “living” can be used as a noun, adjective, or verb. As a noun, it refers to the act of being alive or a person’s way of life. As an adjective, it describes something that is currently alive or in existence. As a verb, it means to reside or to make a life in a particular place. Here are some examples of how to use “living” in a sentence:

• She enjoys the simple living of a rural lifestyle.
• The living room is decorated in a modern style.
• He is currently living in New York City.

It is important to note that “living” is not interchangeable with “livings” as they have different meanings and uses in a sentence.

More Examples Of Livings & Living Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide more examples of how the terms “livings” and “living” can be used in sentences.

Examples Of Using Livings In A Sentence

• His family’s livings were derived from their investments and rental properties.
• Their lavish lifestyle was supported by their inherited livings.
• She was shocked to learn that her deceased uncle had left her a substantial living in his will.
• The company’s CEO had multiple livings across the globe.
• Their charitable contributions were funded by their extensive livings.
• He was able to retire comfortably thanks to his wise investments and livings.
• Their family had a long history of accumulating livings through successful business ventures.
• Their luxurious vacations were made possible by their substantial livings.
• Her father’s death left her with a sizable living that she used to start her own business.
• His livings allowed him to pursue his passion for art without financial worry.

Examples Of Using Living In A Sentence

• She was living in Paris when she met her future husband.
• He decided to start living a healthier lifestyle by exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet.
• Their living room was decorated in a minimalist style with neutral colors.
• She enjoyed living in the countryside where she could escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
• He was passionate about sustainable living and implemented eco-friendly practices in his daily life.
• Their family was struggling to make ends meet with their low-income living.
• She was grateful for the opportunity to attend college and improve her living conditions.
• He dreamed of living off the grid and becoming self-sufficient.
• Their living arrangements were unconventional, with multiple roommates sharing a small apartment.
• She found comfort in living alone and having complete control over her living space.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “livings” and “living,” many people tend to interchange them. However, it is important to note that these two words have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Below are some common mistakes people make when using these words and tips on how to avoid them in the future.

Using “Livings” Instead Of “Living”

One common mistake people make is using “livings” instead of “living.” The word “livings” is not a proper word in the English language. It is a common mistake to add an “s” to the end of “living” to make it plural. However, “living” is already a plural noun, and adding an “s” to it makes it incorrect. For example, saying “I have many livings” is incorrect. The correct sentence should be “I have many ways of living.”

Using “Living” Instead Of “Livelihood”

Another mistake people make is using “living” instead of “livelihood.” While “living” refers to the way of life or the act of staying alive, “livelihood” refers to the means of supporting oneself. For example, saying “My living depends on my job” is incorrect. The correct sentence should be “My livelihood depends on my job.”

Using “Living” Instead Of “Lifestyle”

It is also common to use “living” instead of “lifestyle.” While “living” refers to the way of life or the act of staying alive, “lifestyle” refers to the way a person lives their life. For example, saying “I have a healthy living” is incorrect. The correct sentence should be “I have a healthy lifestyle.”

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

• Read and understand the definitions of “living,” “livelihood,” and “lifestyle.”
• Use a dictionary to check the correct usage of the words.
• Practice using the words in sentences to ensure you are using them correctly.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you are communicating effectively and using the correct words in the appropriate context.

Context Matters

Choosing between livings and living can be dependent on the context in which they are used. The context can determine the correct usage of these words, and it is essential to understand the difference between the two to avoid confusion.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between livings and living might change:

Context	Correct Usage
As a noun referring to the way someone makes a living	Living
As a plural noun referring to the places where people reside	Livings
As a present participle verb referring to the act of existing or surviving	Living
As an adjective describing something that is alive or active	Living

In the context of someone’s profession or job, living is the correct usage. For example, “John’s living is as a software engineer.” In this sentence, living is used as a noun and refers to the way John makes a living.

On the other hand, in the context of the places where people reside, livings is the correct usage. For example, “There are many livings available in the city.” In this sentence, livings is used as a plural noun and refers to the places where people reside.

When referring to the act of existing or surviving, living is the correct usage. For example, “The people in the village are living in extreme poverty.” In this sentence, living is used as a present participle verb and refers to the act of existing or surviving.

Finally, when describing something that is alive or active, living is the correct usage. For example, “The living organisms in the pond were thriving.” In this sentence, living is used as an adjective and describes the organisms in the pond that are alive or active.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using “livings” and “living” are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where they might not apply. Here are some examples:

1. Livings As A Noun

While “livings” is typically used as a verb, it can also be used as a noun to refer to the income or means of support that someone derives from a particular occupation or source. In this case, “livings” is a plural noun that refers to multiple sources of income. For example:

• He made his livings as a freelance writer and a part-time consultant.
• The church was responsible for providing the livings of its clergy.

2. Living As An Adjective

Although “living” is usually used as a gerund or a present participle, it can also function as an adjective to describe something that is alive or currently in existence. For example:

• The living room was spacious and bright.
• Living organisms require oxygen to survive.

3. Livings In British English

In British English, “livings” is sometimes used as a synonym for “parsonage” or “rectory,” which are houses provided by a church for its clergy. For example:

• The bishop appointed him to the living at St. Mary’s Church.
• The vicarage was a spacious and comfortable living.

It is important to note that this usage is not common in American English.

By understanding these exceptions, you can use “livings” and “living” correctly in a variety of contexts.

Practice Exercises

To help readers improve their understanding and use of livings and living in sentences, here are some practice exercises:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blanks

Choose the correct form of livings or living to fill in the blanks in the following sentences:

1. The _______________ room was filled with plants and flowers.
2. She enjoys _______________ a healthy lifestyle.
3. The documentary explored the _______________ conditions of people in poverty.
4. They were _______________ in the moment, enjoying each other’s company.
5. He was fascinated by the different _______________ creatures in the ocean.

Answer Key:

1. living
2. living
3. livings
4. living
5. living

Exercise 2: Write Sentences

Write five sentences using livings or living correctly:

1. ______________________________
2. ______________________________
3. ______________________________
4. ______________________________
5. ______________________________

Answer Key:

1. Living in a small town can be peaceful.
2. She enjoys living life to the fullest.
3. The livings conditions in the city were unbearable.
4. They were living in the moment, enjoying the beautiful sunset.
5. There are many interesting living creatures in the rainforest.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between “livings” and “living” is crucial for effective communication. Here are the key takeaways from this article:

1. “Livings” Is Not A Correct Word Usage

It is important to remember that “livings” is not a correct word usage. Instead, use “living” to refer to the state of being alive or to describe someone’s lifestyle or means of earning a livelihood.

2. Pay Attention To Context

When using the word “living,” pay attention to the context in which it is being used. Is it being used as a verb or a noun? Is it being used to describe a person or a thing? Understanding the context will help you use the word correctly.

3. Grammar And Language Use Are Important

Finally, this article highlights the importance of grammar and language use. Proper grammar and language use are crucial for effective communication and can impact how you are perceived by others. We encourage readers to continue learning about grammar and language use to improve their communication skills.